Washing machine with a pressing and/or ironing function and method for cleaning laundry

ABSTRACT

A washing machine includes therein supports fixing the laundry therein, for example, hanger-like supports, clamping and/or tensioning configurations, or steaming dummies. Once washing has been completed, the laundry is subjected to steam pressure from the inside through the support. The laundry is, thus, pressed and/or ironed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of copending InternationalApplication No. PCT/EP01/14907, filed Dec. 17, 2001, which designatedthe United States and was not published in English.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a washing machine having a housing andmeasures for producing an air stream and a method for cleaning laundry.

[0004] The prior art discloses washing machines in the form ofcommercially available household washing machines. Such householdwashing machines, for the purpose of moving the laundry, have a laundrydrum into which washing liquid is dispensed. The dirt released from thelaundry is, then, transported away in a rinsing operation.

[0005] Household washing machines may also be equipped with anintegrated dryer, which usually operates by the condensation orcirculating-air principle.

[0006] Once the laundry has been washed and dried, it has to be removedfrom the laundry drum and can, then, be ironed by hand. The prior artalso discloses configurations for the automatic pressing of laundry,although these are suitable predominantly just for the industrialsector.

[0007] German Patent DE 29 29 057 C2, corresponding to U.S. Pat. No.4,346,826 to Ehemann, discloses a configuration for steaming pullovers,jackets, and similar items of clothing. In this configuration, aninflatable steaming dummy, which is modeled on the item of clothing thatis to be handled, is in flow connection with a fan, which is fitted onthe underside of the steaming dummy, and heated air or steam can beblown into the cavity of the steaming dummy through a broad-jet nozzleby way of feed lines and a heating element connected therebetween.

[0008] German Published, Non-Prosecuted Patent Application DE 199 13 647A1 discloses a configuration for drying and/or pressing dampenedlaundry, in particular, shirts. The configuration has a device foraligning the laundry and a heating device, which is associated with afan. The heating device has at least one heat accumulator. As a result,heat energy is stored, for example, as the laundry is aligned, and isavailable at the beginning of the handling operation and during thesame. This configuration should also be suitable for household use.

[0009] German Patent DE 35 07 757 C2 discloses an industrial machine forsteaming and pressing items of clothing. For such a purpose, a bearingdevice, which is partly modeled on the cut, for example, of a shirt, anda clamping configuration for the border regions of the item of clothingare provided for aligning the item of clothing in the correct positionin relation to the cut, it being possible for these to be adapted todifferent sizes. Under the action of steam and/or drying air, the itemof clothing is shaped in accordance with its own cut and handled usingdimensionally stable equipment, shaping elements, and a steaming bagwhich has steam flowing through it.

[0010] German Published, Non-Prosecuted Patent Application DE 197 30 358A1 discloses a development of the above-mentioned steaming and pressingmachine, which is intended to allow uniform pressing at all locations ofthe item of laundry.

[0011] As set for below, the prior art also discloses washing, drying,and pressing configurations for industrial laundry purposes.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,988 to Shimazaki et al. discloses anindustrial cleaning configuration having a conveying chain fortransporting the laundry through the various washing-process steps.Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,435 to Gallagher discloses acontinuously operating cleaning installation. The cleaning installationhas a configuration for subjecting the laundry to mechanical action. Acorresponding installation is also known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,018 toGallagher.

[0013] Netherlands Patent Document NL 10 05 069 C2 discloses anindustrial hot mangle that is intended for drying and ironing laundryand has an endless conveying belt. The conveying belt is guided, inpart, along an evaporating configuration.

[0014] Japanese Patent Document JP-A-10118398 discloses a drying,pressing and ironing configuration that is intended for washed laundryand has a belt for absorbing the moisture and rollers for transportingthe laundry.

[0015] Japanese Patent Document JP-A-5337300 discloses an industrialwashing configuration with a conveyor that conveys the laundry throughthe various washing-process steps in the installation.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,768 to Matsuo et al. discloses a conveyorthat is intended for moving laundry and, in which the laundry that is tobe conveyed is coupled to the conveying belt by fastening clips.

[0017] German Published, Non-Prosecuted Patent Application DE 32 16 195A1, corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,425,842 to Winch et al., disclosesa mangle in which, by a conveying belt, the laundry is pressed against aroller to carry out preliminary water removal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a washingmachine with a pressing and/or ironing function and a method forcleaning laundry that overcome the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantagesof the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type andthat has an integrated pressing and/or ironing function.

[0019] With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided,in accordance with the invention, a washing machine for cleaning laundryitems, including a housing, an air stream device disposed at the housingfor producing an air stream, a transporting device disposed in thehousing for moving at least one item of laundry within the housing, andan air stream directing device disposed in the housing for directing theair stream into at least one of the laundry items disposed in thehousing. Preferably, the housing is a cabinet.

[0020] The invention allows the automatic pressing and/or ironing oflaundry following the washing operation, without the laundry having tobe removed from the washing machine.

[0021] This makes the work of the user—particularly in thehousehold—quite considerably easier.

[0022] Before the washing operation is carried out, the item of laundrythat is to be washed is fixed, within the housing of the washingmachine, on a support, through which, following completion of thewashing operation, a hot stream of compressed air is directed into theitem of laundry. As a result, the item is pressed. As an alternative, orin addition, it is also possible for the hot air stream to be directedinto the item of laundry from beneath, e.g., through additional nozzles.

[0023] In accordance with another feature of the invention, thetransporting device transports at least one of the laundry items todirect at least some of the air stream into the at least one laundryitem.

[0024] The items of laundry that are to be washed and ironed are,advantageously, positioned on hanger-like supports, which are, then,hung in the washing machine. The hanger-like supports may be internallyhollow for the purpose of directing the stream of compressed air intothe item of laundry.

[0025] In accordance with a further feature of the invention, thetransporting device has a bearing device with a shape corresponding to ashape of the laundry item to be processed and the bearing device isfluidically connected with the air stream device.

[0026] As an alternative, or in addition, it is also possible forsupports for items of laundry to be disposed in a fixed or moveablemanner in the washing machine. As a result, the act of drawing the itemsof laundry onto the corresponding supports takes place directly in thewashing machine. The supports here may be in the form of a steamingdummy or of a clamping and/or tensioning configuration.

[0027] In accordance with an added feature of the invention, a furtherfan is, advantageously, disposed in the housing of the washing machine.As a result, an air stream can also be applied from the outside for thepurpose of pressing the item or items of laundry. The correspondingcounter-pressure optimizes the pressing and/or ironing function.

[0028] In accordance with an additional feature of the invention,advantageously, there is provided, in the washing machine, acontrollable conveying configuration, for example, a conveying belt or aconveying chain, on which the supports for the items of laundry can befixed. Depending on the processing operation that is to be carried out,within the washing machine, it is possible for the conveyingconfiguration to keep the items of laundry stationary, move them into aconstant-speed circulatory path or allow them to execute a reciprocatingmovement. Using the conveying apparatus is advantageous, in particular,also for carrying out the washing operation. The laundry is, then,guided, by the conveying configuration, past various nozzles disposed inthe washing machine, for example, for wetting the laundry, for sprayingthe washing liquid onto the laundry and for supplying rinsing water tothe laundry so that released particles of dirt are transported away.

[0029] In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, there isprovided a liquid dispenser disposed in the housing for applying washingliquid to the at least one laundry item disposed in the housing, theliquid dispenser having at least one nozzle for spraying the washingliquid onto the at least one laundry item disposed in the housing.

[0030] In accordance with yet a further feature of the invention, thereis provided a rinsing device disposed in the housing for supplyingrinsing water to the at least one laundry item disposed in the housing.

[0031] In accordance with yet an added feature of the invention, thereis provided a water removal device disposed in the housing forpreliminary removal of water from the at least one laundry item disposedin the housing.

[0032] In accordance with yet an additional feature of the invention,there is provided an integrated drying configuration disposed in thehousing for drying the at least one laundry item disposed in thehousing.

[0033] With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provideda washing machine, including a housing, means for producing an airstream disposed at the housing, means for carrying at least one item oflaundry within the housing, and means for directing the air stream intothe laundry items disposed in the housing.

[0034] With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provideda washing machine for cleaning laundry items, including a housing, anair stream device disposed at the housing for producing an air stream, atransporting device disposed in the housing for moving at least one itemof laundry within the housing, transporting device having bearingdevices each with a shape corresponding to a shape of the laundry itemto be processed, at least one of the bearing devices being fluidicallyconnected with the air stream device, an air stream directing devicedisposed in the housing for directing the air stream into at least oneof the laundry items disposed in the housing, a second air stream devicefor producing a second air stream, the second air stream device beingdisposed in the housing and directing the second air stream onto anouter side of the at least one laundry item in the housing, acontrollable conveying configuration disposed in the housing, at leastone of the bearing devices being coupled to the conveying configuration,the conveying configuration at least one of keeping the at least onelaundry item stationary, moving the at least one laundry item into aconstant-speed circulatory path, and executing a reciprocating movementdependent upon a respective one of the processing operations, a wettingdevice disposed in the housing for wetting the at least one laundry itemdisposed in the housing, a liquid dispenser disposed in the housing forapplying washing liquid to the at least one laundry item disposed in thehousing, the liquid dispenser having at least one nozzle for sprayingthe washing liquid onto the at least one laundry item disposed in thehousing, a rinsing device disposed in the housing for supplying rinsingwater to the at least one laundry item disposed in the housing, a waterremoval device disposed in the housing for preliminary removal of waterfrom the at least one laundry item disposed in the housing, and anintegrated drying configuration disposed in the housing for drying theat least one laundry item disposed in the housing.

[0035] With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provideda method of at least one of pressing and ironing at least one laundryitem, including the steps of placing the at least one laundry item in awashing machine having at least one of an integrated pressing functionand an ironing function, passing hot, moisture-loaded compressed airover the at least one laundry item, and passing hot, dry compressed airover the at least one laundry item.

[0036] Prior to the pressing and/or ironing operation, preliminary waterremoval is, advantageously, executed first. This can be done by a dryingconfiguration that is integrated in the washing machine, and operates,for example, by the condensation or ventilation principle.

[0037] To carry out the pressing and/or ironing operation, in accordancewith again another mode of the invention, it is advantageous for theitems of laundry to be moved, by the conveying configuration in thehousing, past the warm-air nozzles fastened in the inside of the housingto ensure, on average, uniform exposure of the surfaces of the items oflaundry to air.

[0038] In accordance with again a further mode of the invention, it isadvantageous, first of all, to pass hot and moisture-laden compressedair over the items of laundry. Thereafter, hot and dry compressed air ispassed over them. The supply of cold and dry air advantageously, then,takes place to shorten the period of time until the user can safely openthe washing machine.

[0039] A preferred embodiment makes use of a pair of rollers disposedalong the circulatory path in the housing and intended for thepreliminary removal of water from the laundry. The laundry is drawnthrough the pair of rollers by the conveying configuration. As a result,the rinsing water located in the laundry is squeezed out at least inpart.

[0040] In accordance with again an additional feature of the invention,the preliminary water removal takes place by virtue of the laundry beingpressed against an absorbent nonwoven. The laundry is, preferably,pressed against the nonwoven, in a region of the circulatory path, by aroller, and is simultaneously drawn further by the conveyingconfiguration.

[0041] The nonwoven absorbs water from the laundry at least in a regionwhere the roller exerts pressure, water, thus, being removed from thelaundry on a preliminary basis.

[0042] In accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention, thepreliminary removal of water from the laundry takes place by hot or coldcompressed air. The preliminary water removal may take place both by theventilated-dryer principle and by the condensation-dryer principle.

[0043] Following completion of the washing, drying and pressing and/orironing operation, the laundry can be moved directly from the washingmachine, for example, into a wardrobe because the laundry is already ina ready-for-use position; this can also be done by a machine.

[0044] As a result, the invention, thus, allows fully automatic laundrycare in a single household appliance.

[0045] Other features that are considered as characteristic for theinvention are set forth in the appended claims.

[0046] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein asembodied in a washing machine with a pressing and/or ironing function,it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shownbecause various modifications and structural changes may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scopeand range of equivalents of the claims.

[0047] The construction and method of operation of the invention,however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, willbe best understood from the following description of specificembodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view through a washing machineaccording to the invention with an ironing function, the section runningparallel to a plane of the conveying belt; and

[0049]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thewashing machine according to the invention with an ironing function.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first,particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a washing machine 1 thathas a cabinet-like housing 2. The housing 2 may be, for example, up to 2m in height. The rest of the dimensions of the washing machine 1,preferably, correspond to those of conventional household washingmachines.

[0051] Located in the housing 2 is an endless conveying belt 3, which isdriven, deflected and controlled by way of a non-illustrated motor ofthe washing machine 1, through non-illustrated rollers or gearwheels. Asan alternative, it is also possible for the conveying configuration tobe realized, for example, as a conveying chain.

[0052] Formed in or on the conveying belt 3 is a compressed-airdirecting device, for example, a cavity, which serves for directing hotcompressed air. The cavity in the conveying belt 3 is connected to acompressor through a non-illustrated compressed-air line. The conveyingbelt 3 has recesses 4 in which hanger-like supports 6 can engage. Eachof the hanger-like supports 6 has a hook, which has an internal cavityfor directing the compressed air. If the hanger-like carrier is hung ina recess 4 of the conveying belt 3 by way of its hook, this produces aflow connection between the conveying belt 3 and the hanger-like carrier6. As a result, the hot air directed in the cavity of the conveying belt3 can flow, through the hook, into the hanger-like support 6, out ofwhich it passes through distributed nozzle openings to subject an itemof laundry 5 located on the hanger-like support 6, for example, a shirtor a blouse, to the action of hot compressed air from the inside, thatis to say, as it were, “inflated.” Prior to the washing operation,individual items of laundry are hung respectively on a hanger-likesupport 6, whereupon the support 6 is hung in a recess 4 of theconveying belt 3 by way of its hook.

[0053] Located on the inner side of the housing 2 are spray nozzles 7for spraying water onto the laundry 5. Also disposed on the inner sideof the housing 2, along the conveying belt 3, are cleaning nozzles 8 forspraying washing liquid onto the laundry. Located beneath the cleaningnozzles 8 are rinsing nozzles 20 for spraying rinsing water onto thelaundry 5. As a result, the dirt released is rinsed out of the laundry5.

[0054] Located on the opposite inner side of the housing 2, in a regionof the conveying belt 3, is a warm-air forced-draft fan 9 for passingwarm or hot air over the laundry 5. Located above the warm-airforced-draft fan 9, is an absorbent nonwoven 10, which is guided overrollers 11 and 12. At least one of the rollers 11 or 12 may be driven tomove the nonwoven, in its parallel region oriented directly toward theconveying belt 3, substantially synchronously with a circulatorymovement of the conveying belt 3.

[0055] A fan 13 is also located in the housing 2. The fan 13 can servefor taking in air or for blowing out waste air. Located in the rear wallof the housing 2 is a heat exchanger 14, which is, advantageously,configured as a rinsing container. The rinsing container, thus, on onehand, has the function of storing water for the rinsing operations and,at the same time, serves as a condenser for condensing the waterabsorbed from the laundry 5 by way of the compressed air. The waterlocated in the rinsing container is preheated by the heat exchange withthe condensing steam. This makes it possible to reduce the energyabsorption of the washing machine 1.

[0056] In the bottom region of the housing 2, a lint filter 15 islocated in a washing-liquid-collecting container 22, which serves forintercepting water. Located beneath the washing-liquid-collectingcontainer 22 is a circulating pump 16 for wetting and/or spraying thelaundry 5 through the spray nozzles 7 and/or the cleaning nozzles 8 andalso a discharge pump 17 for transferring or for pumping away washingliquid through the hose 18.

[0057] A heater in the form of heating coils is located in a frontregion of the housing 2, beneath and/or above a door opening in thehousing 2. The heating coils are not shown in FIG. 1.

[0058] To prepare for the washing operation, the laundry 5 is, first,hung in the conveying belt 3 by way of the hanger-like supports 6.

[0059] The detergent is supplied into the washing-liquid-collectingcontainer 22 through a detergent-feeder. This can take place, through asupply-and metering-container combination, by the dispensing-trayprinciple.

[0060] Once the washing program has started, the detergent dissolves inthe water bath and is guided to the cleaning nozzles 8 at a given timethrough the circulating pump 16.

[0061] For a washing program to be carried out, the conveying belt 3, ina first step, is made to circulate, to be precise corresponding to themovement direction shown by the arrows 19. The circulatory speed of theconveying belt 3, and, thus, of the laundry 5 transported by theconveying belt 3, corresponds to the respectively necessarywashing-process speed.

[0062] The spray nozzles 7 wet the passing laundry 5 to dampen it, and,thus, to accelerate the absorption of detergent into the laundry 5.

[0063] In a second step, the laundry passes the cleaning nozzles 8, bywhich washing liquid is sprayed onto the laundry 5. The washing liquidsoaks the laundry 5 and, thus, releases the dirt.

[0064] In a third step, clean water is sprayed into the passing laundry5 from the rinsing nozzles 20 to transport the dirt and the washingliquid away.

[0065] Sensors fitted in the housing 2 can be used to check the successof the cleaning of the laundry 5 and to measure and, if appropriate,evaluate the turbidity of the washing liquid. If the degree of cleaningis not sufficient, then the above-mentioned steps can be repeated asoften as necessary.

[0066] The washing liquid and/or the rinsing water drips from the wetlaundry 5 into the washing-liquid-collecting container 22 and, fromthere, is circulated to the cleaning nozzles 8 and/or pumped awaythrough the discharge pump 17. In principle, it is not necessary, in thecase of the washing machine 1, for the laundry 5 to be introduced intothe washing liquid 23 located in the washing-liquid-collecting container22; rather, in the exemplary embodiment shown, washing liquid is appliedto the laundry 5 solely through the cleaning nozzles 8.

[0067] For improved water exchange, the laundry 5 can be moved againstan abutment. Furthermore, it is possible for the water-exchange and/orthe water-discharge process to be intensified and accelerated with theaid of pairs of rollers.

[0068] Completion of the wet phase, in which the laundry is washed, isfollowed by the drying phase. Once the clean-water supply to the rinsingnozzles 20 has been switched off, dry, heated compressed air for thedrying process is guided onto the laundry through a compressor or thefan 13. Additional circulatory or reciprocating movement of the laundry5 by way of the conveying belt 3 makes it possible to shorten the dryingtime as a result of the associated intensive air exchange with the airlocated in the housing 2.

[0069] Prior to the actual drying of the laundry 5, preliminary removalof water from the laundry 5 is, advantageously, carried out.

[0070] In a first embodiment, which is not shown in FIG. 1, a pair ofrollers, controlled electronically by spacer sensors, thus, moves fromboth sides against the laundry 5 moved by the conveying belt 3. As aresult, the laundry 5 is drawn through the pair of rollers. By virtue ofthe contact pressure of the pair of rollers on the laundry 5 locatedtherebetween, water is forced out of the laundry 5 and drips back intothe washing-liquid-collecting container 22. Instead of a pair ofrollers, it is also possible to provide a roller chain. As a result, thelaundry 5, rather than being drawn through the pair of rollers, is drawnthrough a roller chain disposed on both sides of the laundry 5.

[0071] In the case of the preferred embodiment that is shown in FIG. 1,the laundry 5, as soon as it has reached the region of the nonwoven 10,is pressed against the nonwoven 10 by a roller 24. The roller 24, thus,moves in the direction of the arrow 25 to press the laundry 5 againstthe nonwoven. At the location where the roller 24 comes into contactwith the laundry 5, the laundry 5 is forced by contact pressure againstthe nonwoven 10. As a result, the water located in the laundry 5 isabsorbed at this location, at least in part, by the nonwoven 10. At thesame time, the conveying belt moves the relevant laundry 5 further alongthe movement direction of the arrow 19. As a result, the region in whichthe roller 24 comes into contact with the laundry 5, likewise, changes.

[0072] Parallel to the movement of the conveying belt 3 and of thecorresponding laundry 5, the nonwoven 10, which is guided over therollers 11 and 12, also moves further. This has the advantage that,wherever the laundry 5 is pressed against the nonwoven 10 by the roller24, a still dry, and, thus, absorbent, region of the nonwoven 10 ispresent. It is possible for the water absorbed in the nonwoven to besqueezed out, for example, through a further pair of non-illustratedrollers, as the water-soaked nonwoven returns on the side that isoriented directly toward the housing 2.

[0073] According to a further preferred embodiment, the preliminarywater removal may take place by dry compressed air that is supplieddirectly to the laundry. Through the warm-air forced-draft fan, the dryair is applied to the laundry in a uniformly distributed manner. It isalso possible for the laundry to be fixed, for example, betweennon-illustrated grids as the compressed air is supplied. The compressedair is, advantageously, supplied in a process-controlled manner insub-steps.

[0074] The above-mentioned steps may take place in combination or oneafter the other—also with repetition—in order to achieve an optimumcleaning effect.

[0075] Completion of the washing operation and, if appropriate, of thepreliminary water removal and/or drying operation is followed by thepressing and/or ironing operation. For such a purpose, hot compressedair is directed, through the conveying belt 3 and the hanger-likesupports 6 hung in the conveying belt 3, into the laundry 5 fastened onthe supports. As a result, the latter are subjected to the action of astream of compressed air from the inside. At the same time, the warm-airforced-draft fan 9 and/or the fan 13 pass/passes hot moisture-ladencompressed air over the laundry 5. The laundry 5 is moved into acirculatory path by the conveying belt 3. As a result, it executes areciprocating movement or circulates in the housing 2.

[0076] In a subsequent process step, hot, dry compressed air is passedover the laundry 5. As a result, the actual pressing and/or ironingoperation are completed. Following completion of the pressing and/orironing operation, it is advantageous for cold, dry air to be passedover the laundry 5 to cool it. By virtue of the cooling operation beingshortened, it is possible for the door of the washing machine to beopened more quickly and, thus, for the amount of time required for theentire laundry-care process to be shortened further.

[0077]FIG. 2 shows a further preferred embodiment of the washing machineaccording to the invention. For the elements of FIG. 2 that correspondto the embodiment of FIG. 1, use is made of the same designations as inFIG. 1.

[0078] In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 2, the conveying belt 3 isa two-part configuration. Only the rear part of the conveying belt 3 isillustrated in FIG. 2. Located between the two parts of the conveyingbelt 3 are supports 26, on which laundry 5 can be hung. These supports26 are internally hollow for the purpose of directing compressed air.Through a compressor, it is possible for hot air to be blown, throughthe supports 26, into the laundry 5 hanging on the supports 26.

[0079] Warm-air forced-draft fans 9 are disposed along an inner side ofthe housing 2. To realize the pressing and/or ironing function, hot airis blown into the laundry 5 through the supports 26. As a result, thelaundry 5 is subjected internally to the pressure of hot air. At thesame time, the laundry is moved past the warm-air forced-draft fans 9 inthe direction of the arrow 19 by way of the movement of the conveyingbelt 3. As a result, the laundry 5 is also subjected externally to airpressure so that a counter-pressure is produced. This results in thedesired pressing and ironing effect.

[0080] Following completion of the pressing and ironing operation, thelaundry 5 is in a ready-for-use position. It can be moved mechanically,by a machine, from the washing machine 1 into a wardrobe or linencupboard.

[0081] As an alternative, or in addition, to the hanger-like supports 6and 26, it is also possible to hang, in the conveying belt 3, a steamingdummy and/or a clamping and/or tensioning configuration, through whichcompressed air is directed into the interior of the laundry 5.

We claim:
 1. A washing machine for cleaning laundry items, comprising: ahousing; an air stream device disposed at said housing for producing anair stream; a transporting device disposed in said housing for moving atleast one item of laundry within said housing; and an air streamdirecting device disposed in said housing for directing the air streaminto at least one of the laundry items disposed in said housing.
 2. Thewashing machine according to claim 1, wherein said transporting devicetransports at least one of the laundry items to direct at least some ofthe air stream into the at least one laundry item.
 3. The washingmachine according to claim 1, wherein said transporting device has ahanger-shaped carrier.
 4. The washing machine according to claim 3,wherein said transporting device has: a bearing device with a shapecorresponding to a shape of the laundry item to be processed; and saidbearing device is fluidically connected with said air stream device. 5.The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein said bearing device isone of a steaming dummy and a clamping and/or tensioning configuration.6. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a secondair stream device for producing a second air stream, said second airstream device being disposed in said housing and directing said secondair stream onto an outer side of the at least one laundry item in saidhousing.
 7. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprisinga controllable conveying configuration disposed in said housing, saidbearing device being a plurality of bearing devices, at least one ofsaid bearing devices being coupled to said conveying configuration. 8.The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein said conveyingconfiguration is a conveying belt or a conveying chain.
 9. The washingmachine according to claim 1, further comprising a controllableconveying configuration disposed in said housing, said carrier being aplurality of carriers, at least one of said carriers being coupled tosaid conveying configuration.
 10. The washing machine according to claim7, wherein: the washing machine has a plurality of processingoperations; said conveying configuration at least one of keeps the atleast one laundry item stationary, moves the at least one laundry iteminto a constant-speed circulatory path, and executes a reciprocatingmovement dependent upon a respective one of the processing operations.11. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein said housing is acabinet.
 12. The washing machine according to claim 1, furthercomprising a wetting device disposed in said housing for wetting the atleast one laundry item disposed in said housing.
 13. The washing machineaccording to claim 1, further comprising a liquid dispenser disposed insaid housing for applying washing liquid to the at least one laundryitem disposed in said housing, said liquid dispenser having at least onenozzle for spraying the washing liquid onto the at least one laundryitem disposed in said housing.
 14. The washing machine according toclaim 1, further comprising a rinsing device disposed in said housingfor supplying rinsing water to the at least one laundry item disposed insaid housing.
 15. The washing machine according to claim 1, furthercomprising a water removal device disposed in said housing forpreliminary removal of water from the at least one laundry item disposedin said housing.
 16. The washing machine according to claim 1, furthercomprising an integrated drying configuration disposed in said housingfor drying the at least one laundry item disposed in said housing.
 17. Awashing machine, comprising: a housing; means for producing an airstream disposed at said housing; means for carrying at least one item oflaundry within said housing; and means for directing the air stream intothe laundry items disposed in said housing.
 18. A washing machine forcleaning laundry items, comprising: a housing; an air stream devicedisposed at said housing for producing an air stream; a transportingdevice disposed in said housing for moving at least one item of laundrywithin said housing, transporting device having bearing devices eachwith a shape corresponding to a shape of the laundry item to beprocessed, at least one of said bearing devices being fluidicallyconnected with said air stream device; an air stream directing devicedisposed in said housing for directing the air stream into at least oneof the laundry items disposed in said housing; a second air streamdevice for producing a second air stream, said second air stream devicebeing disposed in said housing and directing said second air stream ontoan outer side of the at least one laundry item in said housing; acontrollable conveying configuration disposed in said housing, at leastone of said bearing devices being coupled to said conveyingconfiguration, said conveying configuration at least one of keeping theat least one laundry item stationary, moving the at least one laundryitem into a constant-speed circulatory path, and executing areciprocating movement dependent upon a respective one of the processingoperations; a wetting device disposed in said housing for wetting the atleast one laundry item disposed in said housing; a liquid dispenserdisposed in said housing for applying washing liquid to the at least onelaundry item disposed in said housing, said liquid dispenser having atleast one nozzle for spraying the washing liquid onto the at least onelaundry item disposed in said housing; a rinsing device disposed in saidhousing for supplying rinsing water to the at least one laundry itemdisposed in said housing; a water removal device disposed in saidhousing for preliminary removal of water from the at least one laundryitem disposed in said housing; and an integrated drying configurationdisposed in said housing for drying the at least one laundry itemdisposed in said housing.
 19. A method of at least one of pressing andironing at least one laundry item, which comprises: placing the at leastone laundry item in a washing machine having at least one of anintegrated pressing function and an ironing function; passing hot,moisture-loaded compressed air over the at least one laundry item; andpassing hot, dry compressed air over the at least one laundry item. 20.The method according to claim 19, which further comprises preliminarilyremoving water from the at least one laundry item.
 21. The methodaccording to claim 19, which further comprises, before passing the hot,moisture-loaded compressed air and passing the hot, dry compressed airover the at least one laundry item, removing water from the at least onelaundry item.
 22. The method according to claim 19, which furthercomprises supplying cold, dry air at least to an interior of thehousing.
 23. The method according to claim 19, which further comprisessupplying cold, dry air at least to the at least one laundry item.